defenses are down. some have floated into the distance because of the immensity of these waves, 7 and 9-foot surges. by midnight tonight, we're expecting 8 to 11-foot storm surges here in rehoboth beach. and we're talking about the difference between this storm, aaron, and other ones -- whoa. is how cold it is out here. the sand just picking up and being thrown into your face. much different than a lot of the other storms that we've covered because of the circumstances, because of the condition, because of the frigid temperatures. and it's only going to get worse. in rehoboth, erika gonzalez, news 4. >> earlier, you showed us the water reached the store fronts. so far, are the preparations holding up? >> reporter: as of now, yes, as of now, yes. this morning has really been the first signs that we've seen the water breach the dunes. till about 15 minutes ago was the first time we saw it reach the windows and the store front here of this hotel. it's only, what, a few minutes shy of the 9:00 hour. come no